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FAQ - Domestic Violence and Harassment

In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.

Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.

I want to move to get away from my abuser, but I live in an apartment. Can I break my lease?

Arizona law allows a victim of domestic violence to end a rental agreement early, without having to pay future rent, penalties, or fees for early termination. However, you must let the landlord know, in writing, of your intent to end the lease early, and you must also give the landlord a copy of either an Order of Protection or a police report regarding the domestic violence incident. The incident of domestic violence that is causing the lease termination must have occurred within 30 days of the victim giving notice to the landlord. For more information about early lease termination, visit https://azcrimevictimhelp.org/housing/lease-agreements.

Resources:

AZPOINT

Forms for filing for an Order of Protection

Arizona Statute § 33-1318

Legal Info Podcast

Protective Order FAQ

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